Switzerland coach Murat Yakin slams "unacceptable" red card after World Cup elimination

By SABC Sport
12th July 2026

Murat Yakin was disappointed with Breel Embolo's sending off as a 10-man Switzerland saw their World Cup dream come to an end with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina.

Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute of Saturday's clash following a VAR review after Leandro Paredes was initially cautioned for a foul.

Dan Ndoye had only just cancelled out Alexis Mac Allister's 10th minute opener at the Kansas City Stadium but Argentina went on to win the match with extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez (112') and Lautaro Martinez (120+1').

The red card certainly changed the complexation of the game, and speaking after his side's elimination, the head coach branded the decision as "unacceptable".

"There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card," Yakin said. "It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.

"We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don't understand ?it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful. It's a rule that has nothing to do with football.

"It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way."

Yakin, meanwhile, praised his players as they narrowly missed out on a semi-final with England.

“I would like to praise the entire team because we came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum,” added the coach.

“We were dominating and controlling the match, and then we were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it. My boys are the real heroes.”